• World Cup

Capello rules out Crouch as Defoe enters the picture

ESPN staff
June 17, 2010
Jermain Defoe could be a surprise starter against Algeria © Getty Images
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Fabio Capello has given a surprise insight into his starting line-up to face Algeria, admitting he is considering playing Jermain Defoe.

Capello raised serious question marks over the Jabulani ball ahead of Friday's evening encounter, labelling it 'terrible' and 'impossible'. With such fierce criticism for the ball, the England boss may yet stick by Robert Green despite his disastrous error in the 1-1 draw with USA.

Capello admits the goalkeeping situation is one of two positions he is mulling over. With Gareth Barry fit to start, Steven Gerrard is expected to switch to the left against Algeria - a position he employed regularly throughout the qualifying campaign.

England will retain a 4-4-2 formation, the formation Capello has used throughout his career and categorically stated he would not discard during the World Cup, so the other question mark is over Wayne Rooney's strike partner.

Emile Heskey started and performed well against USA, creating Gerrard's goal, while Peter Crouch was employed as a late substitute. However, it appears Crouch is not even under consideration for a starting role on Friday.

"We will play Barry," Capello confirmed. "But I have to decide about two positions.

"The goalkeeper is one, and another position the next forward. Heskey or Defoe."

Should Capello go with Defoe, it would represent something of a gamble for the Italian. The pair have started four internationals together, failing to score a single goal during that time.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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